Tinubu Declares Nigeria’s Economic Challenges Days Over as Okpebholo Takes Office in Edo State

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a new chapter in Edo State’s history with the triumph of democratic values as Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the country’s most challenging economic period was now behind them.

Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their overwhelming show of trust, and pledged never to betray it.

The governor, who announced his first appointments, also unveiled a five-point agenda for the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated what he termed “democracy in its truest form”, stressing the significance of the popular will in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape”.

He said, “This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people. This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow, is what democracy sounds like.”

He was optimistic of the country’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria has already overcome its most challenging period.

The president said, “We have weathered the hardest days as a nation. We have pulled back from the brink of economic collapse, and now we step forward into a time of growth.”

Tinubu called for reconciliation to address potential post-election differences in Edo State, saying, “While some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them.”

He particularly emphasised the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic journey, stating, “Over 25 years into our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is yet another testimony that no individual vote holds more worth than another.”

On leadership qualities, he said, “It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of problems they inherit. However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to confront them.”

The new administration’s mandate, according to the president, extended beyond partisan considerations.

“Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to building the Edo State you envision: a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible and strong, where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within reach for every citizen,” he affirmed.

Linking state-level governance to the broader national economic ambition of his administration, Tinubu said, “When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform—reform to stave off looming fiscal and monetary threats to the stability of this great nation.

“No political party has managed its own affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we took charge.”

The president called the transition in Edo State a “covenant of hope” positioning the state as important to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.

In a release by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president urged Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Reflecting on the transition, Tinubu stated that after eight years under Godwin Obaseki’s administration, Edo State was rejoining the ranks of APC.

He emphasised the need for Okpebholo to justify the confidence placed in him and APC, while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

The president encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.

Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo State governorship election and encouraged the commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo State election, scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

The president celebrated the transition as a milestone and a new chapter in Edo’s democratic journey, and rejoiced with the people of the state for the momentous occasion.

Earlier, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their overwhelming show of trust and pledged never to fail them.

“You voted overwhelmingly for me, and I promise not to betray this trust,” he stated, pointing out that the new administration would focus on achieving rapid development and economic growth.

Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda prioritising health, security of life and prosperity, education, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

He said, “Edo shall rise again. My administration is committed to fixing the roads across our dear state to make them motorable once more. We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and illuminated.”

He affirmed that small business owners would be empowered to stimulate socio-economic growth, assuring the state’s youth that they would not be forgotten, as they would be empowered to address the issue of unemployment.

“We shall provide soft loans to our market women to boost their trade,” Okpebholo added.

He assured state civil servants and the judiciary of a brighter future, and pledged increased respect for traditional institutions.

In his first appointments, Okpebholo named the son of former governor of the state, now senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as Commissioner-designate for Health.

He also announced former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Samson Osagie, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice designate; and Mr. Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to State Government (SSG).

Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the nominations would be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when forwarded by the governor.

Unveiling his five-point agenda, comprising, security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education, as his priorities, he declared war on criminals.

The governor declared, “The welfare of our citizens is top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.”

Bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes, Okpebholo said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improving the security of Edo State.

He said, “For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.”

On road construction and infrastructure development, Okpebholo said, “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.

“Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all. We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.”

Okpebholo also said his administration was ready to support small businesses and market women with soft loans.

He stated, “We are also ready to partner the federal government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our State across all sectors.

“Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them to acquire relevant skills for self-empowerment. My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms. Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education.

“Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.

“Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

“It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the federal government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted away by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897.”

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Okpebholo

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Okpebholo on his swearing-in on Tuesday, describing his assumption of office as the beginning of a new chapter in Edo State.

Sanwo-Olu, who is also Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, urged the people of Edo State at home and in the diaspora to rally round the new governor for the development of the state.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu wished Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, a very successful tenure.

He stated, “Looking at his track records, I am convinced Governor Okpebholo will justify the confidence the great people of Edo State reposed in him with greater performance in office, and I wish him a very successful tenure.

“I believe that Governor Okpebholo has the heart to transform Edo State. He has the heart to touch the lives of the people and make life meaningful for the people of Edo State.”

Deji Elumoye, Segun James and Adibe Emenyonu

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